Inside
OC SO recognized
by Charlie Crist
Deputy Sheriff Keith
Stripling of the Okeechobee
County Sheriff's Office
recently had the opportunity
to meet with the Florida
Attorney General, Charlie
Crist at his office in Tallahas-
see.
Deputy Stripling has been
the Florida Crime Prevention
Association Board Secretary
for the past three years. The
Florida Crime Prevention
Association is currently
endorsing, promoting and
teaching a program known
as "Safe at Work".
Page 2

FEMA outlines
improvements
TALLAHASSEE The
Federal Emergency Manage-
ment Agency (FEMA) has
outlined efforts to improve
inspector training and pre-
vent waste in a document
prepared after reviewing
problems that cropped -up
following the four hurricanes
that smashed through Florida
last year.
FEMA is using better tech-
niques to verify damage as
well as providing stronger
guidelines to make sure aid
Isn't given out that shouldn't
be, according to a document
titled "Building on Success."
Page 5

Jags' Brady hoping
to return to form
JACKSONVILLE Kyle
Brady stretches out his right
hand and shows a middle fin-
ger that has been swollen for
nearly a year.
It's not getting any better,
either.
The Jacksonville Jaguars
tight end sustained perma-
nent joint damage when he
ruptured a tendon in the fin-
ger last preseason. He
missed the first five games of
the regular season, played
the rest of the year with a
variety of cumbersome
braces and finished with a
career-low 14 catches for 103
yards.
Page 7

By Eric Kopp
Okeechobee News
A 19-year-old Okeechobee
man is being held without bond
in the Okeechobee County Jail
for his alleged connection with
last week's armed robbery of a
local business.
Wilford Garner IV was arrest-
ed Aug. 5 on warrants charging
him with two counts of robbery
with a deadly weapon firearm,
two counts of aggravated assault
- firearm and one county of
aggravated battery with a deadly

7 I' ,

weapon firearm.
According to Detective David
Rogers of the Okeechobee Coun-
ty Sheriff's Office (OCSO), on
July 29 Garner allegedly assault-
ed the store owners of Dan's
Meat Market, 1314 S.R. 70 E.,
robbed them of an undisclosed
amount of cash and then fled the
scene on foot.
Detective Rogers said in a
press release that there were no
reported injuries.
OCSO Captain Dale LaFlam
said Garner did not have a gun or

any of the reportedly stolen cash
in his possession at the time of
his arrest.
Capt. LaFlam said the man
was arrested in the Douglas Park
area.
Shortly after the alleged rob-
bery, OCSO Sergeant Billy
Markham said one shot was fired
during the incident that occurred
shortly after 2 p.m.
Sometime after the alleged
robbery, Lawrence Cooper gave
an unidentified man a ride from
the Racetrac store at 1595 S.R. 70

1 Celebrating the end of summer camp

Okeechob'ee News/D.Hamilton
Toddlers from A Child's World Child Care Center wait while Twinkle, the clown ties bal-
loon animals at an end of summer day camp celebration on Wednesday. All age groups
of children at the center enjoyed a giant water slide, an inflated obstacle course, a pool
area for the little ones, pizza and snow cones.
K3-, '., .' 7 : '_ ,

E. to the Douglas Park area.
"My
nephew, who
was waiting
in the truck,
said 'Hey,
that's a home I
boy. Give him
a ride,"
recounted Mr.
Cooper. "I
looked Wilford
around and Garner IV
saw this guy
coming from
the side of the building. So, I

gave him a ride by my house."
Once at his destination, Mr.
Cooper said the man got out of
his truck and "took off."
"I went inside and the next
thing I know cops are surround-
ing my car," he continued. "My
daughter told me that cops
were around my car looking in
it."
He said he then went outside
and talked to the law enforce-
ment officers and told them
what had happened.
"I sure don't need this for giv-
ing a guy a ride," he said.

Toiletries

sought for

U.S* troops

By Loma Jablonski
Okeechobee News
The Big "0" Junior Teen
Anglers Bass Club is on a mis-
sion to clean up Iraq.
The young anglers will col-
lect the small travel-sized items
such as shampoo, conditioner,
plastic shower caps, hand lotion
and soap that are given to guests
at local hotels and motels on a
daily basis and send them to
local service men and women
stationed in Iraq and surround-
ing areas.
"Most people bring these

items home and never use
them," stated Charlie Hays,
sponsor and founder of the Big
"0" Junior Teen Anglers Bass
Club. "I, myself, have a box full
of these little bottles and soaps.
So, why not get them to people
who can use them instead of
storing them all over the house
.and then eventually throwing
them out?"
Mrs. Hays contacted House
Representative Mark Foley of the
16th District and State Senator
See Troops Page 2

( r% pra rin%

lip undN"rk fnrm

P 1"'Copyrighted Material f1

Syndicated Content
Available from Commercial News Providers"

The inflated obstacle course was oft limits for toddlers except for a brier moment under
close watch by staff members at A Child's World Child Care Center. The activity was part
of an all day event to celebrate the end of summer day camp.

Principal addresses Kiwanis

By D. Hamilton
Okeechobee News
The weekly Kiwanis Club
meeting invited two guest speak-
ers with one common topic -
the new school year.
Scott Frasier of the Real Life
Children's Ranch was invited to
the meeting to accept the club's
donation and contribution of
school supplies to benefit the 24
children who live at the ranch.
An amount close to $300 in
cash was given to the ranch, as
well as several large cartons of
donated school supplies that
were collected by Kiwanis Club
members over the past several
weeks of the project.
Mr. Frasier spoke in apprecia-
tion of club members and their
efforts in the project.
"The donations of supplies
speak loudly and reflects the phe-
nomenal partnerships that Okee-
chobee clubs have with the com-
munity to benefit local children's
organizations," he said.
Another guest invited to speak

to the group was Theta Bass, the
new principal of Osceola Middle
School.
Mrs. Bass was introduced by
club member Donna Enrico,
who stated in the introduction
that Mrs. Bass has been dedicat-
ed to teaching and working with
school children in the district
since the early 1980s.
"At Osceola Middle School we
have a motto which is, we
achieve because we believe,"
said Mrs. Bass.
She praised her great staff and
commented that many of them
have told, her that they teach
because it was their calling.
Mrs. Bass was the assistant
principal at Central Elementary
School and prior to that was at
North Elementary School for 21
years.
Since she has only been at the
middle school for a few days in
preparation of the new school
year, she said she is still learning
about the school and its staff
members.
She told club members that

this year Osceola Middle School
will have 907 students who will
start the new school year. She
went on to state that in the next
year-and-a-half, the school has
plans to expand with a new
building to accommodate the
growth. The school's change
from block scheduling to an
eight-period class day was also
mentioned.
Mrs. Bass outlined some goals
for the upcoming year beginning
with one for teaching staff mem-
bers to grow in staff develop-
ment.
"Since I have worked with ele-
mentary school students for
many years, I am not an expert.
Therefore, I am learning from
those staff members who are
already there. Every day is a learn-
ing experience," she told club
members.
Another goal detailed by Mrs.
Bass was to assess students with
difficulties in achieving higher Okeechobee News/D. Hamilton
FCAT scores and also in weaker New Osceola Middle School principal Theta Bass was the
guest speaker at the weekly Kiwanis Club meeting. Mrs. Bass
See Kiwanis Page 2 talked to club members about her goals for students and staff.

U.IIE!I~. -76 %~. ~fwz, ~ ~4t~7

2 The Okeechobee News, Saturday, August 6,2005

News Briefs OC SO recognized by state attorney general

River panel
meets Aug. 6
OKEECHOBEE The Kissim-
mee River Valley Advisory Com-
mittee will meet Saturday, Aug. 6,
from 10 a.m. until noon at the
Basinger Community Center
located on the corner of U.S. 98
and Micco Bluff Road just east of
the Kissimmee River bridge.
The purpose of meeting is to
provide an opportunity for South
Florida Water Management Dis-
trict (SFWMD) staff to meet com-
munity members that are interest-
ed in using the restored
Kissimmee River Valley region for
public use and recreation.
For information, call Kelli Stick-
rath at (863) 447-1998.

S- m- _

Deputy Sheriff Keith Stripling
of the Okeechobee County Sher-
iff's Office recently had the oppor-
tunity to meet with the Florida
Attorney General, Charlie Crist at
his office in Tallahassee.
Deputy Stripling has been the
Florida Crime Prevention Associa-
tion Board Secretary for the past
three years. The Florida Crime
Prevention Association is current-
ly endorsing, promoting and
teaching a program known as
"Safe at Work". Safe at work is an
educational program that discuss-
es topics such as threat assess-
ment, workplace violence policy,
electronic security and risk assess-
ments to make employers aware
of potential dangers of violence in
the workplace and how to react
to them in hopes of preventing an
incident.
Sonitrol Corporation originally
developed the program and

asked the Florida Crime Preven-
tion Association to partner with
them to educate business owners
throughout the state.
With the Safe at Work presen-
tation taking place many times in
many areas of the state, over the
last 12 months the Attorney Gen-
eral felt it to be a very note worthy
program and wished to thank not
only Florida Crime Prevention
Association but also the Sonitrol
Corporation and the state wide
prosecutors office for their com-
bined efforts in assuring the safety
of all employees.
The Okeechobee County Sher-
iff's Office will be organizing a
presentation of the program for
local businesses, and anyone
wishing to participate in the pro-
gram is encouraged to contact
Deputy Stripling of the Crime Pre-
vention unit at (863) 763-6064.

Special to the Okeechobee News
Attorney General Charlie Crist (left) presented a recognition plaque to Deputy Keith Stripling
of the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office for the work that the Florida Crime Prevention
Association has done in regard to the "Safe at Work" program.

Troops

Continued From Page 1
Ken Pruitt of the 28th District for
assistance in how to get these
packages to our troops.
"With our representatives
working on this, I'm sure the items
will reach our men and women.
They asked me if the packages
would be only for Okeechobee
troops or could they be shared
with others. I told them we would
like to share them with others, but
that our Okeechobee soldiers had
to be taken care of first," stated
Mrs. Hays.
It will be a difficult task to find
the many men and women from
Okeechobee serving overseas in
Iraq and surrounding countries.
Mrs. Hays has, therefore, asked
that anyone having a loved one
serving in those areas and wishing
them to receive these packages to
contact her with their mailing
Addresses.
Also, anyone wishing to donate
to o, p S any of these items can contact her
at (863) 763-2332.

Kiwanis

Continued From Page 1
areas of academics.
"We are dedicated to teaching
that excellence can be achieved by
every child. If we don't love our
kids and help them to further their
education, they cannot achieve
excellence," added Mrs. Bass.
In other Kiwanis Club business:
There will be no Kiwanis Club
executive board meeting this week.
The meeting is rescheduled for
next week.
Kiwanis Club members will
need to contact club treasurer,
Frank Irby if they have not paid club
dues for the first half of the year.
S* Kiwanis Club meetings are held
da every Thursday at noon at the Vil-
o* lage Square Restaurant, 301 W.
South Park St.

Community Events

Back to School supply drive starts
The Shared Services Network's Community Collaborative Coun-
cil is sponsoring its annual Back to School supply drive for Okee-
chobee's children in foster care.
These supplies will be given to the children in Okeechobee dur-
ing their annual foster care picnic just before school starts. The chil-
dren are in need of: pencils, pens, markers, colored pencils,
crayons, highlighters, notebook paper, construction paper, folders,
binders, pencil boxes, lunch boxes, backpacks, glue, scissors,
rulers, erasers, index cards and calculators. For information on
becoming a foster parent, call the Hibiscus Foster Parent Training
Program at (800) 403-9311. Supplies may be taken to the Communi-
ty Collaborative Council meetings during April, May and July. The
meetings will be held in room 303 of the Okeechobee County
School Board Office, 700 S.W. Second Ave. For information on the
school supply drive or the council's meetings, call Sharon Vinson at
(863) 462-5000, ext. 257.

New historical mugs on sale
The Okeechobee Historical Society has a new shipment of histor-
ical Okeechobee County Courthouse mugs and mugs with a picture
of the old High School for $6 each on sale at the Chamber of Com-
merce. They also have a small booklet entitled "Pictorial History of
Okeechobee" which sells for $4.

County plat directory offered
The 2005 Okeechobee County Plat Ditectory is now for sale at
the Okeechobee Soil & Water Conservation office on U.S. 98 N. For
information, call (863) 763-3619, ext. 502.

Gospel Lighthouse will meet
A newly-formed congregation, The Gospel Lighthouse, will me6t
every Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Christian 7th Day Baptist Church, 914
N.W.. Park St. There will be old camp meeting style of preaching,
praying and singing. For information, contact Reverend Elma J.
Hampton at (863) 357-0455.

Summer Play Camp schedule announced
Sign-ups for Okeechobee County Parks and Recreation's 2005
Summer Play Camp began Monday, May 2, at Teen Town Center,
309 N.W. Second St. Enrollment is limited and slots are filled on a
first-come, first-served basis. Campers must be between 6 and 12
years of age. Play camps will operate Monday through Friday,
through July 29 (except July 4), from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at
three locations: Douglas Brown Community Center, Okeechobee
Civic Center and Teen Town Center. The regular camp fee is $50 per
week, per participant plus fees for field trips and special activi-
ties. Special rates have been set at $25 per week for a child on the
reduced school lunch program, and $10 per week for a child on the
free school lunch program within the Okeechobee County School
system for the 2004/2005 school year. A letter of participation from
Okeechobee County School Food Service must be presented at the
time of registration in order to qualify for these special rates.
Extended hours of 7:30 until 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. will
be available at both the Okeechobee Civic Center and Teen Town
Center for an additional fee of $10 per week, per participant.

Swimming pool hours announced
The Okeechobee Sports Complex swimming pool hours of
operation are: June 2 Aug. 7, Tuesday Saturday from 12:30 until
6:30 p.m., Sunday from 1 until 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday
evenings from 7 until 9 p.m. (family night swim); Aug. 8 Oct. 30:
Tuesday through Friday from 4 until 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.
until 5 p.m., Sunday from 1 until 5 p.m. The pool is not open during
school hours. For information, contact the pool office at (863) 467-
7667.

Enrollment starts for VPK program
The Agency for Workforce Innovation is starting the registration
process for parents to enroll their children in the state's new Volun-
tary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. Eligible children must live in
Florida and be 4 years old. on. or before Sept. 1 of the 2005-06 school
year. Parents can find the registration form onlinie at www.vpkflori-
da.org; or, they can contact their nearest Early Learning Coalition
for a paper copy of the registration.

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The following individuals were
arrested on felony of Driving
Under the Influence (DUI) charges
by the Okeechobee County Sher-
iff's Office, the Okeechobee City
Police Department, the Florida
Highway Patrol or the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Com-
mission.
Cory L. Shaw, 21, S.W. 28th
St., Okeechobee, was arrested
Aug. 2 by Deputy Lt. K. Murrish on
Okeechobee County warrants
charging him with violation of pro-
bation possession of a controlled
substance without a prescription
(felony), violation of probation -
possession of drug paraphernalia
(misdemeanor), violation of pro-
bation possession of cocaine
(felony) and violation of probation
- possession of drug parapherna-
lia (misdemeanor). His total bond
was set at $20,000.
Donny Ray Phillips, 44, S.E.

Eighth St., Okeechobee, was
arrested Aug. 2 by Deputy Cpl. Paul
Ferrell on an Okeechobee County
warrant charging him with the
purchase of a controlled sub-
stance (cocaine). His bond was set
at$10,000.
Stacey Denise Vickers, 18,
N.W 294th St., Okeechobee, was
arrested Aug. 2 by Deputy K. Gray
on a felony charge of possession of
a controlled substance without a
prescription (two counts) and a
misdemeanor charge of driving
while license suspended with
knowledge. Her total bond was set
at $5,500.
eGladys Marie Johnson, 28,
S.W. 19th St., Okeechobee, was
arrested Aug. 2 by Deputy Lt. K.
Murrish on warrants charging her
with failure to appear purchase
of a controlled substance
(cocaine), failure to appear tam-
pering with physical evidence, fail-

ure to appear forgery and failure
to appear uttering a forged
instrument. No bond was set.
Joe Boy Albritton, 24, S.W.
Park Ave., Stuart, was arrested
Aug. 2 by Deputy S. Green on an
Okeechobee County warrant
charging him with giving false
information to a pawnbroker. His
bond was set at $2,500.
Scarlett Virginia Leitner, 24,
S.W. Third St., Okeechobee, was
arrested Aug. 3 by DeputyAnthony
Kibler on a felony charge of pos-
session of cocaine, and a misde-
meanor charge of driving while
license suspended with knowl-
edge. Her bond was set at $5,500.
Willie J. Harris, 26, Lakeport,
was arrested Aug. 3 by Deputy P.
Massung on an Okeechobee
.County warrant charging him with
violation of probation possession
of cocaine and violation of proba-
tion tampering with evidence.

He was being held without bond.
Jose Feliciano Harper, 18,
N.W 21st Ave., Okeechobee, was
arrested on Aug. 3 by Deputy S.
Green on an Okeechobee Count
warrant charging him with grand
theft firearm. His bond was set at
$2,500.
Renee Christine Vaughn, 34,
S.E. 23rd Court, Okeechobee, was
arrested Aug. 4 by Deputy K. Gray
on a misdemeanor charge of driv-
ing under the influence; a felony
traffic charge of driving while
license revoked-habitual; and, a
felony charge of child neglect. Her
bond was set at $15,000.
This column lists arrests and
not convictions, unless otherwise
stated. Anyone listed here who is
later found innocent or has had the
charges against them dropped is
welcome to inform this newspa-
per. The information will be con-
firmed and .printed.

RobertWilliam.
Curley Sr.
Robert William Curley, Sr., age
77, of Okeechobee, died Wednes-
day, Aug. 3, 2005 at Raulerson Hos-
pital. He was
born
Aug.15,1927 in
Boston, Mass.
Mr. Curley had
been a resident
of Okeechobee
since 1975. He
served in the
U.S. Navy and
was the former
owner/opera- Robert William
tor of Murphy Curley, Sr.
White Dairy. He
was a member of the Kiwanis
Club.
He was preceded in death by:
his brothers, Watson Corley, Jr. and
James Curley; sisters, Eleanor Finn,
Marie Magner and Patricia McKen-
zie.
Survivors include: his loving,
partner, Karen Kennedy; his chil-
dren, Robert 'Bill' William Curley,
Jr., Major John (Cheryl) Foster Cur-
ley, Britton (Diane) Harris, Phillip
Brown, Ellen Curley, Sharon
Robyn, Beth Alonso, Kimberly
(Harry) Schwegel, Julie (Chuck)
Dansevich, Shannon Castle and
Michelle (Chris) Cano; 21 grand-
children; one great-grandchild;
brother, Donald (Jane) Curley; and
sisters, Virginia Ketchum and Judy
(Walter) Colbath.
Visitation will be held at Sacred
Heart Catholic Church, 701 S.W.
Sixth St. on Monday, Aug. 8, from 5
until 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Aug. 9,
from 11 a.m. until noon, with
Funeral Mass to follow. Father
Hugh Duffy will officiate.
A reception will follow at Light-
sey's Seafood Restaurant on Hwy
78 West. Interment will be in St.
Paul's Cemetery in Hingham,
Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be made to the
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Building Fund.
All arrangements are under the
direction and care of the Buxton
Funeral Home and Crematory.
Raymond Y Kliphouse
Raymond V Kliphouse, age 90,
of Okeechobee, died Thursday,
Aug. 4,2005, at Raulerson Hospital.
He was born in Patterson,' N.J. and
was a resident of Okeechobee for
27-years, coming from Ft. Laud-

Mo. and, Lottie of California.
Visitation was held on Aug. 5
from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Ermert
Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held
Saturday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. with
Chaplin Arthur Ellis officiating.
Interment will follow at New
Hope Cemetery in Pollard, Ark.
All arrangements are under the
direction and care of Ermert Funer-
al Home, Inc. Corning, Ark.
George Franklin
Padgett
George Franklin Padgett, age 66,
of Okeechobee, died Friday, Aug. 5,
2005 at his residence. He was born
May 3, 1939 and had been a life-
time resident of Okeechobee. He
was a member of Abundant Bless-
ings Assembly of God. He enjoyed
fishing and hunting and was a life-
time member of the National Rifle
Association.
Survivors include: his beloved
wife of 45 years, Linda Padgett of
Okeechobee; sons, Brian (Glenda)
Padgett, Vince (Donna) Padgett,
and Charles (Sandra) Padgett, all of
Okeechobee; daughter, Cynthia
Davis of Okeechobee; brother,
Eddie (Penny) Padgett of Milton;
eight grandchildren; and one great-
grandchild.
Visitation will be at Abundant
Blessings Assembly of God, 4550
U.S. 441 N., on Monday, Aug. 8,
from 10 a.m. until funeral service
time at 11. Rev. A.J. Steverson will
officiate and interment will follow
in Fort Drum Cemetery.
All arrangements are under the
direction and care of the Buxton
Funeral Home and Crematory.

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Speak Out

Have an opinion or a question about a public issue? Post it anytime
at the Okeechobee issues blog at http://newsblog.info/0904. It is a
hometown forum so visit the page as often as you would like and
share your comments (but no personal attacks or profanities, please).
You can also make a comment by calling our Speak Out 24-hour
opinion line at (863) 467-2033, fax (863) 763-5901 or sending e-mail
to okeenews@newszap.com. You can also mail submissions to
Okeechobee News, P.O. Box 639, Okeechobee, Fla. 34973. Com-
ments will be published in the newspaper as space permits.
GREAT LOGO: By the way, the new city logo is great. How is that for
positive?

NEGATIVE COMMENTS: If you think Okeechobee is a joke, the
roads that you came in on will take you out just as easily as they
brought you in. Maybe you would be happier somewhere else, say a
deserted island? You have nothing but negative comments and it
would be nice if you didn't take up space posting them.

I APOLOGIZE: I do need to apologize for this forum is for informa-
tion and opinion on all topics, not for me to badger or make fun of the
other readers and those who choose to comment.

NUBBIN SLOUGH RAMP: I saw in the paper that the county may
work on developing a boat ramp at Nubbin Slough. While what has
happened at Taylor Creek is a shame, I think that would probably be a
better place for a public ramp. There is more room for parking and the
access road would not have to go through private property. I still think
something in the whole Taylor Creek Lodge sale stinks. I don't under-
stand how the state accepted a contract bid and then waited five years
for the payment and held to that same price. The state lost millions
on that sale and the county residents lost out as well. There should
have been something written into that contract that the price was
good for 90 days and if payment was not made, they would have to
negotiate again something like that. I still think this should be inves-
tigated because the taxpayers lost out. But a public boat ramp at Nub-
bin Slough does make sense to me.

WE'RE NO JOKE: I don't believe that I have posted anything nega-
tive someone asked about the road construction and I told them
what was going on and who is working there. I happened to know and
therefore responded. And, I was born and raised here and I am actual-
ly proud to say that Okeechobee is not a joke.

Community Events

Medicare benefits topic of talk show
Family Stations Inc., is having a radio talk show on Saturday, Aug.
13, starting at 7:30 a.m. and re-broadcasting at 1 and 6 p.m. on
WWFR 91.7 FM on the treasure coast and in West Palm Beach on
100.3 FM. The guest will be Paul Cotton, AARP Senior Legislative
Representative, a specialist in low income health care issues. The
topic will be the new Medicare drug benefit. For information, call 1
(800) Medicare or www.meicare.gov.

Annual health fair planned
On Aug. 13 the fifth annual health fair will be held from 8 a.m.
until noon at the American Legion Hall, 501 S.E. Second St. It is
sponsored by the Florida Community Health Centers. For informa-
tion, call (863) 763-1951.

Church hosts clothes give-away
The Okeechobee Church of God, 301 N.E. 44th Ave., will host its
annual clothes give-away on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. until
noon. The event will be held in the church's fellowship hall. For
information, call (863) 763-4127.

Red Cross seeks DAT volunteers
The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to be part of
their Disaster Action Team (DAT). The DAT is made up of a group of
trained volunteers who respond to local disasters such as structure
fires, floods, etc. If you would like to give of your time and talents to
help local citizens in a time of disaster, please contact Andy or Can-
dace at the American Red Cross Okeechobee Branch by calling
(863) 763-2488.

Free 10 Commandments signs
The Living Word of Faith has 10 Commandment yard signs with
stands for anyone wishing to put them in their yards. For information
call Lee Minton at (863) 357-3442, or John White at (863) 357-2975.

Food pantry reopens
Okeechobee Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 312 N. Parrott
Ave., is open again. It is located in the back parking lot of the church.
The temporary gray box is stocked and ready for anyone who needs
food. All you need is an I.D. The hours of operation are Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. until noon.

Our Purpose...
The Okeechobee News is published by Independent Newspapers of Florida.
Independent is owned by a unique trust that enables this newspaper to pur-
sue a mission of journalistic service to the citizens of the community. Since no
dividends are paid, the company is able 1o thrive on profit margins below
irduslry standards. All after-tax surpluses are reinvested in Independent's
mission of |ournatistic service, commitment to the ideals of the First
Arriedmrent of the U S. Constitution, and support of the community's deliber-

aJon ocf public issues

We Pledge ...
* To operate inis newspaper as a
public trust
T: help our community become a
Drener place to live and work,
Inrougn our dedication to consci-
enhious journalism
To provide the information citizens
need Io make their o*n intelligent
decisions about public issues
* To report the news wiin honesty.
ac.curacy, purposeful neutrality.
fairness objectivity. fearlessness
and compassion.
* To use our opinion pages to facili-
late community debate, not to
.ominale it wi.th our own opinions.
* To disclose our own conflicts of
interesi or potential conflicts to our
readers.
* To correct our errors and to give
each correction to the prominence
,t deserves
* To provide a right to reply to those
.ve wrile about
* To treat people with courtesy,
respect and compassion.

Florida Press
Associadon,,....
*0 Okeechobee News 2005
I For More Information See
At Your Service On Page 2

Okeechobee News/Daniel M. McCarthy

Looking Back ...
By 1917, the shoreline of the lake was ringed with fishing camps and boat docks. These docks were located on Lake
Okeechobee in 1917, and were presumably in the area known today as the lakeshore curve. The catfishing industry
began on the lake during the last decade of the 19th century. By the time the county was created in 1917, boats were
taking thousands of pounds of fish to market each week. This photo also appears in a book titled "Strolling Down Coun-
try Roads" by Twila Valentine and Betty Chandler Williamson. Plans are currently under way by the Okeechobee Histor-
ical Society to reprint the book "Strolling Down Country Roads". Recent interest in buying a copy of the book has been
increasing, and the Historical Society needs an estimate of the number of books to order. The expected cost is $35 to
$40 per copy, and the society hopes to have the books available by Christmas. If you are interested in buying a copy of
the book send your name, address and telephone number to: Betty C. Williamson, P.O. Box 249, Okeechobee, Fla.,
34973. This will not obligate you to buy the book, but you will be notified when the books are available. You are asked
to send your information to Mrs. Williamson soon. Do you have any old photos of the Okeechobee area or of Okee-
chobee citizens? If so, bring them by the Okeechobee News office, 107 S.W. 17th St., and we can copy them while you
wait. Or, you can e-mail the photo and information about the photo to okeenews@okeechobee.com.

Upcoming Events

Saturday
Habitat for Humanity of Okeechobee construction volunteers will meet
in the parking lot of the Okeechobee Presbyterian Church, N.E. Third
Street and N. Parrott Ave., at 7 a.m. Construction work will be at a Habitat
work site in an adjoining county. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for
working. Call (863) 357-1371, for information.
Dual Recovery Anonymous meets at noon at Welcome House, 1925
U.S. 441 S.E. It is a self-help group for people with a desire to stop using
alcohol and other intoxicating drugs, and a desire to manage their emo-
tional or psychiatric illness. It's an opeh'discussion group. For information,
call (863) 467-1026.
A.A. meeting from 8 until 9 p.m. at the Okeechobee Presbyterian Church,
312 N. Parrott Ave. It will be a closed discussion.
The Okeechobee Chapter DAR will meet at 10 a.m. at the Oakview Bap-
tist Church, 677 S.W.' 32nd St. They would like to extend an invitation to
anyone eligible for membership in NSDAR to attend from October through
May. For information call regent Ruth Lawson at (863) 763-2492, or vice-
regent and registrar Bonnie Hill at (772) 597-4235.

Sunday
A.A. meeting from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the Church of Our Saviour, 200
N.W.Third St. It will be an open step meeting.

Monday
VFW #10539 Ladies Auxiliary lunch and bingo will start at noon at the
Post, 3912 U.S. 441 S.E. Auxiliary members and their guests are invited.
Please R.S.V.P. to (863) 763-2308.
Okeechobee Senior Singers meet at 9 a.m. at the Okeechobee Presby-
terian Church, 312 North Parrott Ave. Everyone who enjoys singing is
invited: For information or to schedule an Appearance foi your organiza-
tion or group, contact Patsy Black at (863) 467-7068.
The Genealogical Society of Okeechobee will meet at 1:30 p.m. at the
Okeechobee County Public Library, 206 S.W. 16th St. This meeting is
open to anyone interested in tracing their ancestry. The annual member-
ship is $10 per person, and $12 for a family. For information, call Eve at
(863) 467-2674; or, visit their web site at http://www.rootsweb.com/-flgso.

Tuesday
Alanon meeting will be held at the Church of Our Savior, 200 N.W. Third
St., at 8 p.m.
Grief and Loss Support Group meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the
Hospice Building, 411 S.E. Fourth St., in Okeechobee. Everyone is wel-
come. For information, contact Enid Boutrin at (863) 467-2321.
Family History Center meets from noon until 3 p.m. at the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 310 S.W. Sixth St. Anyone interested in
finding who your ancestors are is welcome to attend. There is Census, IGI
(International Genealogical Index), Social Security Death Index and mili-
tary information available. For information, call (863) 763-6510 or (863)
467-5261.
Rotary Club of Okeechobee meets at noon at the Golden Corral
Restaurant, 700 S. Parrott Ave. All Rotarians and the public are invited.
For information, contact Bill Bartlett at (863) 467-4663.
The Widow and Widowers Support Group meets at 8:30 a.m. at the
Clock Restaurant, 1111 S. Parrott Ave., for breakfast. For information, call
(863) 357-0297.
The Gathering Church Overcomers Group meets at 7:30 p.m. in the
fellowship hall at 1735 S.W. 24th Ave. This is a men's only meeting. For
information, call Earl at (863) 763-0139.
Bible study at the Living Word of Faith Church, 1902 S. Parrott Ave., at 7
p.m. Informal and informative discussions bring many Bible truths to life.
everyone is invited.
Bipolar Bears meet at 11 a.m. at Welcome House, 1925 U.S. 441 S.E. It
is a self-help group that offers support and education for people who have
been diagnosed with clinical depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, schizo-
affective disorder or dual diagnosis. For information, call (863) 467-1026.

Wednesday
A.A. meeting from noon until 1 p.m. at the Church of Our Saviour, 200
N.W.Third St. It's an open meeting.
A.A. meeting from 8 until 9 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 701
S.W. Sixth St. It will be a closed discussion.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meet in the New Horizon building, 1600
S.W. Second Ave., from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. For information, call (863)
763-1191.
Lakeside Cruise'n Car Show will meet from 7 until 9 p.m. in the Wal-
Mart parking lot in front of the Garden Center. Just stop by to show a car
you may have, or check out the cars and visit with the car owners while
you listen to the great oldies music.
The American Cancer Society meets at 7 p.m. at the Raulerson Hospi-
tal, 1796 U.S. 441 N., in the north dining room. The meetings are spon-
sored by the American Cancer Society and are facilitated by their medical
advisor Dr. Heller. For information, call 1-800-224-6844.
Community Country Gospel will meet at 7 p.m. at the church next to
Douglas Clinic on North Park St. Any individual or group that enjoys old
time gospel music is invited to participate: For information, contact Randy
or Larese Maycumber at (863) 467-0359.
Martha's House offers weekly support groups for individuals who are
either directly or indirectly affected by domestic violence, other women's
issues are also addressed. One support group is held on Wednesday's 5
p.m. at the Health Department Auditorium, 1728 N.W. Ninth Ave. For infor-
mation, call Irene Luck at (863) 763-0202. The other support group is held
on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 1057 N.E.
14th Ave. For information on this group, call Shirlean Graham at (863)
763-2893.

Community Events

Church offers summer activities
Activities are now available at Sacred Heart Catholic Church,
701 S.W Sixth St. These activities include: a food bank that is open
Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. until noon; a martial arts class
held Tuesday through Friday from 6 until 8 p.m. and on Saturday
afternoon from 3 until 4 p.m.; Boy Scouts meet every Monday
from 6 until 8 p.m.; Immigration Assistance is available on the
third Thursday of every month from 1 until 5 p.m.; and, soccer is
every Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Yard sale closed for summer
Real Life Children's Ranch yard sales are closed for the sum-
mer, and they are no longer accepting donations. For information,
call Rosie at (863) 763-4242.

Community Events

Labor Day rodeo tickets on sale
Tickets for the Cattlemen's Association Labor Day weekend
rodeo are now on sale at Eli's Western Wear, 907 W North Park
Street. The price of a rodeo ticket is $14. The rodeo will be held at
the Cattlemen's Arena on U.S. 441 N. on Saturday, Sept. 3; Sunday,
Sept. 4; and Monday, Sept. 5. A parade will be held Monday, Sept
5, at 10 a.m. in downtown Okeechobee. The Chamber of Com-
merce, 55 S. Parrott Ave., is now accepting float registrations. For
information, call Perri L. Giafaglione at (863) 697-3113.

Church hosts back-to-school day
The Cornerstone Baptist Church, 18387 U.S. 441 N., will host a
back-to-school fun day on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 9 until 11 a.m.
There will be free school supplies, as well as a bounce'house,
obstacle course, food and games. For information, call (863) 763-
3338.

Hospice exec is talk show guest
Family Stations, Inc., 88.5 FM, will host an Aug. 6 radio talk
show featuring James H. Laseter, executive vice president for
Treasure Coast Hospice. He will be discussing caring for the ter-
minally ill and their families. The show will be rebroadcast at 1
and 6 p.m. on WWFR 91.7 FM and 100.3 FM. For information,
contact James Laseter at (772) 403-4567 or 800-299-4677; or, your
local hospice.

Red Cross offers CPR course
The American Red Cross is offering an adult CPR/AED,
infant/child CPR and first aid course at the Okeechobee Branch on
Saturday, Aug. 6, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. The cost of this course is
$35. For information on how to sign up for this course stop by the
office at 323 N. Parrott Ave., or call (863) 763-2488.

Wine fest and concert planned
Henscratch Farms in Lake Placid, 980 Henscratch Road, hill
host Vino in the Vineyard wine fest and lawn concert on Saturday,
Aug. 6, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Admission is $8, and includes a
Henscratch Farms logo wine glass. There will be 10 different mini-
educational wine courses conducted by various Florida wine and
viticulture professionals. The Scattered Grass bluegrass band will
be performing throughout the day. This is a 21 and older event.
For information, call (863) 699-2060.

Sheriff to speak at Chamber lunch
The general membership luncheon for the Chamber of Com-
merce will be held Aug. 10 at the Golden Corral, 700 S. Parrott
Ave., starting at noon. There will be a special presentation by
Sheriff Paul May on the role of the Okeechobee County Sheriff's
Office in tracking sexual predators and offenders in our county.
Please plan to attend this informative luncheon.

LOAA meeting is slated
The Lake Okeechobee Airboat Association (LOAA) will meet
Thursday, Aug. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Square Restaurant,
301 W. South Park St. Agenda items include more discussion on
the jamboree, additional charitable giving and plans for Labor
Day in the park. Visitors are welcome. For information, call (863)
763-6069.

Advisory County sets meeting date
There will be an Okeechobee County provider meeting on Fri-
day, Aug. 12, at the Okeechobee County Health Department,
1728. N.W Ninth Ave., at 9:30 a.m. Then at noon, there will be a
meeting of the Okeechobee County Advisory Council. This meet-
ing will also be held at the Health Department.

Back to school collections under way
Big Lake Missions Outreach is currently sponsoring their annu-
al school supplies drive for the needy children in our county. They
will be collecting items until Aug. 12. Let's work together on this
project and make sure every child of school age has what they
need to start school this year. Also, if your child needs supplies,
they can help. Proof of eligibility is required to qualify. For infor-
mation or to make a donation, call the Mission at (863) 763-5725.

AC S hosting breast cancer walk
The American Cancer Society "Making Strides Against Breast
Cancer" will be hosting a 5K walk on Saturday, Aug. 13. The walk
will begin at Flagler Park on Park Street. Registration will begin at
8 a.m. The MSABC is currently seeking participants to walk in this
event. There is not charge, and free T-shirts will be given to those
participants that raise $1,000 or more. We will be having our next
meeting on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 6 p.m. at the Visiting Nurses Asso-
ciation, 208 S.E. Park St. Please visit our Okeechobee website at
http://www.acesevents.org for information. For team recruit-
ment, or if you are a cancer survivor, contact Pattie Mullins/co
chair at (863) 634-4054.

OPINION

The Okeechobee News, Saturday, August 6, 2005

FEMA outlines improvements made after 2004 season

TALLAHASSEE The Federal
Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) has outlined efforts to
improve inspector training and
prevent waste in a document pre-
pared after reviewing problems
that cropped up following the
four hurricanes that smashed
through Florida last year.
FEMA is using better tech-
niques to verify damage as well
as providing stronger guidelines
to make sure aid isn't given out
that shouldn't be, according to a
document titled "Building on
Success."
For instance, the agency will
pay for disaster victim's funeral
expenses only if a family can
present a letter from a medical
examiner or similar authority that

the death was related to the
storm. The agency was criticized
for paying for more than 300
funerals when the official death
toll from the storm was just over
120.
The agency will also cut rental
assistance to one month instead
of two, and then only if there is
documentation that there is a
need to be relocated during
repairs. Residents can apply for
additional assistance after the
first month if they prove the actu-
ally relocated.
Inspectors will be required to
take an on-line test before being
sent out in the field and addition-
al performance requirements will
asked of contractors who hire
inspectors. The agency is re-

emphasizing that background
checks need to be done and that
inspectors can't inspect the
homes of friends or relatives.
The agency was severely criti-
cized by Washington lawmakers
for allowing waste and fraud in
the aftermath of the 2004 storms.
A Senate committee last month
issued a report documenting sev-
eral areas that need improve-
ment.
The agency responded to the
Senate Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs Committee
late Thursday. The document
was unavailable after business
hours.
The "Building on Success"
document to be released Friday
was based on the agency's

review of its response, as well as
suggestions made by the Senate
committee and the Department
of Homeland Security's inspector
general.
"As is the case after every
major disaster, FEMA immediate-
ly conducted federal-state-local
meetings, in January 2005, to
identify areas for program
improvements as well as success-
ful procedures that should be
institutionalized and used nation-
ally," the document said.
Also to be released Friday is a
letter from FEMA director Mike
Brown that defends the agency's
work.
"Trust me; nobody Monday-
morning quarterbacks our efforts
more than we do. Something we

find after almost every event:
there's more room for us to
improve," Brown wrote in the let-
ter to be posted on the agency's
Web site.
The storm season was "easi-
ly" one of the worst disasters the
agency had to respond to and it
did well under difficult circum-
stances, Brown said.
"Disappointingly, a few peo-
ple saw an opportunity to take
advantage of the system by lying
to FEMA staff and contractors in
order to make a quick buck.
These cases are a fraction of the
hundreds of thousands of storm
victims we assisted," he said.
He said while the agency is
looking at additional training and

controls, mistakes will be made
and he asked that people under-
stand the enormity of its mission
and the difficulty of responding
quickly to a disaster.
"We also continue to work
with elected federal officials in
Congress many of whom think a
solution lies in adding more
process to the process. Some of
their suggestions are right in line
with our own thoughts. Some
fresh ideas have been presented
that we will work hard to imple-
ment. Some other ideas I will
never put into practice because
they will endanger the victims,
making aid so slow we will find
ourselves back in the days of Hur-
ricane Andrew."

Crist announces $200,000 restitution

TALLAHASSEE Attorney
General Charlie Crist announced
that an investigation into possi-
ble price gouging following last
year's hurricanes has led to a set-
tlement that will provide more
than $200,000 in restitution for
Floridians. The target of the
investigation, Fort Walton Beach-
based Garner Construction LLC,
has agreed to cease all business
operations in the state.
Garner, a construction remod-
eling company, was alleged to
have overcharged consumers for
water mitigation and minor
home repairs. Documents
obtained through an investiga-
tive subpoena issued by the
Attorney General's Office,
showed that Garner performed
repairs on the personal property
of 61 individuals and one assisted
living facility.
The assisted living facility, Vil-

las of Gulf Breeze, was wrongly
billed approximately $54,000 for
water removal, demolition and
cleanup. For example, one
charge was for use of a crane that
allegedly was never on the prop-
erty. Under the terms of the set-
tlement, the facility will only pay
$18,000 for the actual work per-
formed. In another instance, a
senior citizen, 83 years old, in
Pensacola Beach was wrongly
billed approximately $69,000 and
now will only have to pay
$25,000 for the actual work per-
formed after the hurricane.
Under the settlement, Garner
agreed to reduce its billings by a
total of $203,658, a 22 percent
cut from what the company orig-
inal billed for the repair work.
"Florida citizens suffered seri-
ous losses during last year's hur-
ricanes and the last thing they
needed were repair companies

trying to bleed them for excess
profits," said Crist. "This settle-
ment agreement should remind
all Floridians that we will not tol-
erate profiteering." In addition,
Garner will also shut down all
business operations in Florida
and none of its out-of-state sister
companies will perform any hur-
ricane-related repairs in Florida
for five years. The company will
also reimburse the taxpayers
$10,000 to cover the costs'of the
Attorney General's investigation.
The investigation was
prompted by a number of con-
sumer complaints to the Attor-
ney General's Price Gouging Hot-
line (1-866-9-NO-SCAM). As
described in the agreement, the
probe looked into allegations
"that some of the charges billed
by Garner were considered
excessive and possibly rose to
the level of price gouging, as

defined in Florida Statute
501.160."
During last year's record-set-
ting hurricane season, the Attor-
ney General's Office received
8,911 complaints through its
price gouging hotline. The office
initiated 58 formal investigations
and filed 13 price gouging law-
suits against hotels, generator
businesses, tree removal compa-
nies and other businesses.
Including the Garner settlement,
to date the Attorney General's
Office has recovered more than
$700,000 in restitution for Florida
consumers. Other investigations
and settlement negotiations are
ongoing.
A copy of the settlement
agreement with Garner Con-
struction is available at:
http://myfloridalegal.com/we
bfiles.nsf/WF/MRAY-6EVSMA
file/GarnerSettlement.pdf

AP photo/Bebeto Matthews
Rising temperatures
As temperatures rise toward the high 90's, Meliane Cabo,
right, and her son Christian, 6, run through a spray from
the Brooklyn Museum's water fountain in New York, Fri-
day Aug. 5.

Protect your home with State Farnr Homeowners Insurance. Well
help make sure you get the coverage you want and the discounts you
deserve. Find out why more than 15 million homeowners trust their
homes to State Farm.
Disaw how atState Farm yaou d'thavetopay mone to get more

"In a democracy, the highest office is that of citizens."
US Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter.

We agree. Yet too many citizens feel powerless to influence
the flow of events.

We give people a voice. Our Speak Out column is just one
example. We consider it an extension of the secret ballot and
a return of the values of the American Revolution.

How are we doing?

Let us know by mailing feedback@newszap.com or calling
your editor.

Okeechobee News

Community Service Through Journalism

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Local church to present a show of gospel magic

A brand new show of gospel
magic, comedy, music, live ani-
mals and audience participation is
coming your way! For a just a little
while, pretend that impossible
things can really happen as we
explore the magic of God's love!

It's a dazzling fun filled show motivational, educational and live bunnies that appear before Second St., Saturday, Aug. 13. Be
orchestrated by the Rev. Louie best of all, it's inspirational, them and the adults will be there by 10:30 a.m. to sign up for
Mabrey. Rev. Mabrey presents a emphasizing that real faith in' amazed and intrigued by sleight of children's door prizes and activi-
colorful program of magic while Christ, unlike magic, is no illusion: hand and visual illusions that baf- ties. The show will begin promptly
reinforcing the Word of God. It's a It's a journey into the world of fie even the most careful observer, at 11 a.m. In addition to the show,
production that goes way beyond magic and childhood fantasy. Chil- Come enjoy the show at First Unit- we will have another visiting pas-
a typical magic act. The show is dren of all ages are delighted by ed Methodist Church, 200 N.W. tor, Rev. Bryan Simpson, whose

specialty is twisted balloons, hats,
swords, animals, etc. that the kids
will love. There will be helium bal-
loons. and/or a small bag of gifts
for each child in addition to three
door prizes. Lunch will be served
after the show. See you there.

Edirt stirs debate within the Muslim rommunit%

"Copyrighted Material

Syndicated Content

Available from Commercial News Providers"

- p P

Reflections from the Pulpit

By Alex Marquez
Wisdom... it's something that
everyone needs, but we rarely
think to ask God for it. A friend
told me recently that my five-year-
old and three-year-old sons were

extraordinary in that they obeyed
and understood concepts when
taught. I would like to take credit
for that great compliment, but I
can't. You see, ever since my five-
year-old was in the womb, my
wife and I prayed that he, and our

Church sponsors

a trip to Orlando

The Church of Our Saviour
Episcopal Church is sponsoring
a trip to Orlando to see the
Radio City Rockettes on Satur-
day, Dec. 10. The bus will leave
the church at 200 N.W. Third

other children as each came
along, would have Godly wisdom
beyond their years. My friend is
right. My children are obedient
and they do understand advanced
concepts, but it's not because
we're the best parents in the uni-
verse. Well, maybe my wife is.
I totally attribute their behavior
and' comprehension to God. It's
He who gives wisdom and under-
standing. Check out Proverbs 2:6,
"For the LORD gives wisdom and
from His mouth come knowledge,

and understanding." Or how
about James 1:5, "If any of you
lacks wisdom, he should ask God,
Who gives generously to all with-
out finding fault, and it will be
given to him."
We should all ask God for His
wisdom. After all, He said that He
would give it to us in abundance.
So the next time you pray, ask
God for the wisdom He so willing-
ly wants to give you. Then, you'll
have the power you need while
Walking The Walk!

Street at 8 a.m. The perform-
ance is at 11 a.m. The cost of
$65 per person. For reserva-
tions, call Fran at 357-1713. Pay-
ment is due before Aug. 21.

Be original
This encouragement to be
Lutheran Church.

iete lawaa/UKeecnooee News

original was seen at Peace

r-'eie lawaa/UKeecnoDee News
Think positive
This sign that was spotted in front of Peace Lutheran
Church reminds us to think positive.

uKeecnoDee News/reie uawaa
Watch your words
This sign seen in front of the Church of the Nazarene
reminds us to think before we speak.

Community Event

Children's council seeks volunteers
The Children's Services Council of Okeechobee is in need of a few
fine people to submit an application to the Okeechobee County Board
of County Commissioners to be a part of the council. Governor Jeb
Bush makes the final appointments with terms of two or four years.
The council meets monthly to discuss programs and needs of the chil-
dren in the community. Once a year, agencies request funds through a
grant process. Each council member "adopts" an agency or two as
their own and monitors the programs' services that they provide to our
children. Those interested in completing an application should contact
Cathleen Blair, executive director at (863) 462-4000, ext. 255.

STERLING MORTGAGE SERVICES

CalMeTda itSn
Ek~igIIstions Or For Your
Preq alifcatin. ILoo

13'lari,

Ask For
,Na gDaniels

MORTGAGE BROKER

863-634-4295 Cell

B|J ~Your LOCAL ge

to the Inter?

ADVERTISING COMPUTERS & INTERNET GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Place your classified Go to www.newszap.com, select your Go to www.newszap.com,
ad online, town and then click on Classified select your town and
24 hours a day at Advertising. Then click on "Merchandise" then click on Index under
24for listings of local computer services der
www2.newszap.com/classde.html. for lisand computers for sale. Community Contacts.

ADVERTISING COMPUTERS & INTERNET HOME SERVICES
Advertise your business on the Your LOCAL gateway to the Go to www.newszap.com, select
Internet Internet with local information, your town and then click on
24 hours a day at news and advertising ---- is found at: Classified Advertising.
www2.newszap.com/onlineadvertising. www.newszap.com. Then click on Services.
AUTOS & AUTO CARE COMPUTERS & INTERNET MOVIE LISTINGS
Go to www.newszap.com, Advertise your business on the Go to www.newszap.com,
select your town and Internet select your town and
then click on 24 hours a day at then click on
Autos Guide. www2.newszap.com/onlineadvertising. Movie Listings.

CHURCHES & RELIGION EDUCATION NEWS
Go to www.newszap.com, Go to www.newszap.com, Go to www.newszap.com and select
select your town and select your town and then click on your town for local stories. Then
then click on Index under Index under click on National News for the rest
Community Contacts. Community Contacts. of the day's latest news.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING EMPLOYMENT NEWSPAPERS
Go to www.newszap.com, Go to www.newszap.com, select your Go to www.newszap.com,
select your town and town and then click on Classified select your town
then click on your state under Advertising. Then click on Employment. and then click on
Today's Classified Ads. (Includes ads in today's newspaper & more.) Independent Newspapers.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS FINANCIAL OBITUARIES
Go to www.newszap.com, Go to www.newszap.com, Go to www.newszap.com.
select your town and select your town and select your Iown
then click on Index under then click on and then click on
Community, Contacts. Financial Services Guide. Obituaries.

By Loma Jablonski
Okeechobee News
Congratulations go to Scott
Maestre, a 14-year-old member of
the Big "0" Junior Teen Anglers
Bass Club. Maestre recently
placed second in the 2005 Junior
Bassmaster World Championship
in Kittanning, Pa.
Anglers have reported that the
lake.is really dirty right now with
algae blooms being found over-

much of this end of the lake. But,
they are also saying that the bass
are still biting at Tin House, the
Monkey Box, Hendry Creek and
in the Kissimmee River on wild
shiners.
Some bluegill and catfish are
being pulled in from the pier at
Lock 7.
If you're out and about this
weekend and would like to see
some beautiful Okeechobee bass,
the Christian Team Trail tourna-

ment is taking place on Saturday,
Aug. 6, at Okee-Tantie Marina.
They are scheduled to begin
weighing in at 1 p.m.
The Okee-Tantie Team Trail is
also hosting a tourney this week-
end. They will be fishing on Sun-
day, Aug. 7. The first flight of their
weigh-in begins at 3 p.m. at Okee-
Tantie Marina.
Have a greatwveekend and try
to stay cool.

FWC offering classes at no cost on alligator hunting

The Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC)
is offering alligator hunters a no-
cost, three-hour class to help pre-
pare them for the coming
statewide alligator harvest, which
runs Sept. 1 through Oct. 8.
This is an opportunity for
hunters who have never participat-
ed in the state's alligator hunts to
learn what hunting alligators is all
about. The class topics include:
preparing for the hunt; hunting
techniques and safety; harvesting
and processing; caring for your alli-
gator skin;,andalligatorrules and

call (561) 686-8800 or (863) 462-
5195.
Since 1988, the FWC has
offered alligator hunts that provide
a thrilling, hands-on, face-to-face
hunting adventure that is unlike
any other- hunting experience
imaginable.
Sale of alligator permits began
June 6, but more than 2,000 Alli-
gator Harvest Permits are still
available onr a first-come, first-
served basis through Sept. 20. Per-
mit holders are authorized to take
two alligators from designated
areas during specific harvest peri-

ods. Alligator harvest areas are list-
ed at MyFWC.com/alligator under
"Alligator Harvest Permit Availabil-
ity."
Applicants have their prefer-
ence of applying at any county tax
collector's office, license agent
(retail outlet that sells hunting and
fishing licenses), online at
MyFWC.com/license or by calling
toll-free 1 (888) HUNT-FLORIDA
(486-8356) from anywhere in the
United States of Canada.
To reserve a permit, applicants
must submit payment for an Alli-
gator Trapping License and two

alligator-hide validation tags, or
provide proof of a valid Alligator
Trapping License (must be valid
through Oct. 8) plus pay the fee
for two hide validation tags. No
other hunting licenses are
required.
The cost for a Resident Alliga-
tor Trapping License and hide vali-
dation tags is $272, and non-resi-
dents pay $1,022.
Any hunter who takes an alliga-
tor must complete and send in an
Alligator Harvest Report Form.
The information gathered from
these forms enables F.'.C biolo-'

gists to monitor population trends
and impacts of the annual harvest.
An Alligator Trapping Agent
License is also available for $52,
which allows the license holder to
assist a trapper in taking alligators,
-but only in the presence of the
permitted trapper. All persons
seeking a harvest permit must be
at least 18 years old by Sept. 1, and
only one harvest permit per per-
son will be issued.
For information on how to get
involved in these exciting alligator
hunts, visit MyFWC.com/alligator
and click on Statewide Hunts.

Blackhawks sign Khabibilin to 4-year, $27 million pact

CHICAGO Stanley Cup-win-
ning goalie Nikolai Khabibulin
signed a four-year, $27 million
contract with the Chicago Black-
hawks on Friday, leaving the
defending champion Tampa Bay
Lightning.
Khabibulin played in 55 regu-
lar-season games for the Lightning
during 2003-04, posting a 28-19-7
record with three shutouts, a 2.33
goals against average and a .910
save percentage.
In the playoffs, he was 16-7
with an NHL-best five shutouts.
His 1.71 goals-against average
ranked second.
The 32-year-old Khabibulin is
209-187-58 in 476 regular-season
games with 35 shutouts and a 2.61
goals-against average for Win-
nipeg-Phoenix and Tampa Bay
during his nine NHL seasons. He is
31-25 with six shutouts in the play-

offs.
"When we began this process,
we targeted Nikolai Khabibulin
and Adrian
Aucoin as the
two main play-
ers we wanted | "'1
to sign," gener- ..
al manager .w
Dale Tallon ..
said.
The Black-
hawks, who
have reached Nikolai
the. playoffs Khabibulin
only once in
seven seasons, have significantly
improved their defense since the
free agent shopping season began
on Monday. Chicago signed for-
mer New York Islanders All-Star
defenseman Aucoin to a four-year,
$16 million contraction Tuesday.
The Blackhawks also signed
winger Martin Lapointe to a three-

year, $7.2 million deal and
defenseman Jaroslav Spacek to a
one-year, $2.25 contract.
"I know our fans have gone
through some difficult times, but
we said that we would remain
flexible and give ourselves a
chance to improve our team
under the new rules governing the
NHL," Tallon said of the $39-mil-
Ilion salary cap.
"We planned ahead with this
day in mind and we are extremely
happy that we were able to
achieve some of our goals," he
said in a statement.
Not only is Tallon a new hire
but so is coach Trent Yawney as
the Blackhawks have undergone a
major makeover trying to erase
years of bad hockey and small
crowds.
Khabibulin skated for Ak Bars
Kazan in the Russian Elite League
during the lockout that wiped out

Sports Briefs

OHS Touchdown Club
seeking new members
The Okeechobee High School
Touchdown Club is seeking new
members. The, purpose of this
club is to promote pride, respect,
spirit and unity among the O.H.S.
players and student body, staff,
coaches, families and the busi-
ness community.
Anyone interested in the foot-
ball program at O.H.S. is invited to
join. Bronze membership is $300;
silver membership is $600; gold
membership is $900; and, plat-
inum membership is $1,200.
A portion of each membership
goes to the general athletic fund,
and another portion goes into a
scholarship trust.
For information call Brahman
head football coach Chris Bran-
ham at (863) 462-5050.

Youth grid league
taking late sign-ups
The Pop Warner football
league will have late sign-ups
from Monday, Aug. 8,'through Fri-
day, Aug. 12, at the soccer field
across from North Elementary
School from 5 until 7 p.m.
Parents must provide copies of
the child's birth certificate, their
most recent report card and a cur-
rent physical at registration. The
cost of registration will be $75.
For information contact James
Shockley at (863) 634-3482, or
Albion Crowell at (863) 697-2576..

Skateboard contest
planned for Aug. 6
The Communities In
Schools/Police Athletic League
will host a skateboard contest on
Aug. 6 at the Okeechobee Skate
Park, 300 N.W Sixth Ave.
Registration is $15 up to the
day of the event, and $20 on the
day of the event. All those plan-
ning to compete must be regis-
tered by 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 6. All
contestants must wear an
approved helmet.
The competition will be divid-
ed into five divisions: girls; boys
10 & under; boys 11-14; boys 15-
17;. and, boys 18-up. There will
also be a best trick competition.
There will be a demonstration
by Broken, Okeechobee's own
skate team.
For information, call Maxi-
mum Tanning at (863) 763-7434,
or CIS/PAL at (863) 462-5863.
The event is sponsored by

Maximum Tanning of Okee-
chobee.

OHS sports
seats on sale
Gold seats and reserved seats
are now on sale for O.H.S. sports.
The cost of a gold seat is $100
and entitles the holder to admis-
sion to all home Brahman games
with the exception of state-spon-
sbred activities such as bowl
games, jamborees or playoffs.
Reserved seats entitle the hold-
er to admission to all home Brah-
man football games. The cost of
the reserved seats is $40 per seat.
Seat selection will take place
on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. There will be
a scrimmage game that evening
to introduce you to this year's.
team and new head coach Chris
Branham.
For information on where to
obtain tickets, contact Mike Rade-
baugh at (863) 462-5025.

last season, appearing in 24
games. He played for Russia at the
2002 Winter Olympics, going 3-2-
I with one shutout and a 2.34
goals against average.
He will be missed in Tampa
Bay.
"Is it a setback? It is," Lightning
general manager Jay Feaster said.
Feaster added that Tampa Bay
will be looking for another goal-.
tender either through the free
agent market or by a trade.

Khabibulin's backup with the
Lightning, John Grahame will be
given a shot to win the top job.
"John Grahame is licking his
chops to compete for that spot,"
Feaster said.
The Blackhawks might be able
to move goaltender Jocelyn
Thibault, who was recently ten-
dered a qualifying offer.
Tampa Bay could use the
money saved on Khabibulin to try
to sign star forward Vincent

Lecavalier to a long-term deal.
Feaster said he plans to speak
Lecavalier's agent on Monday in
an attempt to keep the 25-year-old
center away from unrestricted free
agency next summer.

ral uouge wIrysver ieep s mo nIo fimun i srges, Imo tJprogress.ve andu j inW paymi aiULU UurtUr,
We realizethat many of our flnest employees have come from fields not related to our industry.
We encourage people from all professions who are interested in a great new career to apply.
We will provide you with the training and confidence you'll need to be a success.
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Industry's top pay plan & many bonuses GI
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Employeeffamily vehicle purchase plan
No Phone Calls Please Proper Attire Required

3/2 DWMH on large 1/2 acre lot with garden tub
and shower in master bath, carpet and vinyl flooring,
new appliances with warranties, curtains and blinds
throughout. On east side of town for easy commute.
Call Sheryl Byrd for more details. $139,000. (#89299)

If you're just starting out or ready to retire, this would
be a great buy. It's a 3 bedroom, 1 bath, CBS home in
Dixie Ranch Acres, on a large 1/2 acre lot. Screened
back porch and storage shed, beautiful wood flooring.
Very nicely kept. call Pam Mobley for more details.
$165,000. (#89224)
*

Reasonably priced 2/2 mobile home on lake access lot.
Perfect for 1st time buyers or investors. Great area for
commuters. $125,000. (#89420)

'1

~- ~
~- *- -

Enclosed carport makes it extra roomy Yard is corn-"
pletely fenced. Close to schools and shopping. Great
location for commuters. Priced to sell at' $180,000.|
(#89468)

2001 custom built 4/2 on 4.72 acres in Sebring. Bright
and open concept with vaulted ceilings throughout.
i,.,..: r,, ,. ... i rh WIC and dressing area. Horse
1 .'. 1.i... .:I. -.,.it to So. FL hurricane codes and
handicap accessible, this beauty is within 5 miles of
town. Too many upgrades to list! It's a must see!
(#89433)

- a 1i 4

New 2005, 14x70 SWMH located east of town in River
Run Resort. 2/2 at end next to cul-de-sac, paved drive,
new storage shed on slab, screened patio, appliances,
new A/C to keep you good and cool for the summer!
Come check it out, call Tina Weaver to see. $92,000.

2/2, stilted frame home on 3.74 acres in Indian Hammock.
This home offers open concept living, walk in closets, wood
burning fireplace, screened patio overlooking mother nature
at it's finest. Also membership to all the amenities when you
own inside this gated community. Call Dale Ann Watford for
more details. $275,000. (#89042)

6 ACRES AT VIKING
Fenced with culvert and two
gates. Property can be divid-
ed into four 1.5 acre lots.
$185,000 (#89379)

Note: These offerings are subject to errors, omissions or withdrawal without notice. Information believed accurate but not guaranteed.

Roger has more than 25
years in South Florida Real
Estate Sales and more than
25 years as General Motors
Automobile Dealer in the
Northeast. He has built his
reputation on Customer
Service and repeat business.
A people oriented person,
Roger has built long lasting
relationship with his clients.

Please call Pritchards GMAC

and ask for Roger.

B|,Li, I|, .|i,( hid
4000-M: This is a 2Bd/2Ba MH located in BHR.
Lake Okeechobee access. Seawall, boat slip,
right off Rim Canal. There was a dwelling dam-
aged in storm, being converted to workshop.

4 -

ACREAGE WITH HOME
5007-M: 38+ acres with home, barn,
workshop, fenced in. You just have to
check it out for yourself! #88178.

ACREAGE
5006-M: Will sell MH on 10 acres, on
2.5 acre or on 5 acres. Will also sell
alnd separate. Call for more info.
Og-g;4

REVIEW!
Learn four (4) techniques (avail. since 1969) that
reduce or eliminate your federal capital gains taxes
on your sale of highly appreciated properties! Why
pay unnecessary taxes! Keep more of your net gains!
New Class A office building in center of town to be
built later this year!! Now preleasing space up to
20,000 sq. ft. for mid 2006!!
For Appointment:
David L. Klein (561) 703-1070 Direct Line
Anthony Marino (561) 703-1814 Direct Line
Licensed Real Estate Agents/Mortgage Brokerage Business

BEAUTIFUL BRAND NEW NEW NEW Just set on lot, 21Ki5 DWMH,
3Bd/ 2Ba. concrete pabo. new water system,. nice corner lot Close to town and
shope. Enjoyable liv.-tng for only $115.0(A! Call fonathan o34-9275.
TWO 100'X200' BEAUTIFUL LOTS back up to Okeechobee Golf & Cquntry
Club Environmental aswssments are finished on these. NO Wetlands. Paved
road frontage. Call Elbert 634-7460. Ashing $"5 000 each.
20 ACRE PARCEL north of town. just off Hvwy 6. Asking k'600,000. Call Pat
561-644-5418.
OKEECHOBEE LITTLE F J o0xI,'-''3o 1,'2 acre lot would make a
great site for your new houl IM.UEI l0.

* Competitive Rates

* Residential

* Commercial

* Title InSurance

* Closings

* Title Searches

112 S PrrttAvenue

824080 Ofice*82002Fa

WHAT DO I NEED

TO DO BEFORE MAKING A

PURCHASE OFFER?
Even before sladrlng to look al riouses find out what price house you can afford.
says syndic aled columnist Dian Hymer
Roughly speaking. Hymer says you can afford to buy a richme equal in price to
Ihree times your gross annual income
More precisely, Ire price you can afford to pai lor a hc'me will depend on six
laclors"

When Planning Your New Home:
"Let Experience Work For You!"
Our experienced staff is well trained to
walk you through every phase of building
your new home from planning to comple- 1 .
tion.
Whether it be a starter home or your
dream home at last, we'll help turn your
ideas into reality.
Call us for an appointment or just stop
by for a visit'!
.Evenings and weekends by appointment
for your convenience.
-__200 N.W. 5th S.

'LAE VIEw 863-763-3100
WBUI ERS, INC. Ceri Bi
CBC 008329

Mons

. ..... ... ...........

12 The Okeechobee News, Saturday, August 6, 2005

At the Movies

The following movies are now
showing at the Brahman Theatres
III.
Movie times for Friday, Aug. 5,
through Thursday, Aug. 11, are as
follows:
Theatre I "Dukes of Hazard"
(PG-13) Showtimes: Friday at 7
and 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
at 2, 4:15, 7 and 9 p.m. Monday at
3 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday at 2, 4:15, 7 and 9
p.m.
Theatre II "Sky High" (PG)
Showtimes: Friday at 7 and 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday at 2, 4:15, 7
and 9 p.m. Monday at 3 and 7
p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday at 2, 4:15, 7 and 9 p.m.
Theatre III "Bad News Bears"
(PG-13) Showtimes: Friday at 7
and 9:10 p.m. Saturday and Sun-
day at 2, 4:15, 7 and 9:10 p.m.
Monday at 3 and 7 p.m. Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday at 2,
4:15, 7 and 9:10 p.m.
Tickets are $5 for adults; chil-
dren 12 and under are $4; senior
citizens are $4 for all movies; and,
matinees are $3.50.
For information, call (863) 763-
7202.

Briefs

Wildlife Center
hosts birthday parties
Treat your child to a wildlife
adventure birthday party at
Arnold's Wildlife Center, 14895
N.W 30th Terrace. You can invite
up to 20 friends to join you for a
wildlife adventure tour, hands on
animal encounter, games and a
special craft for everyone to make.
For information on cost and reser-
vations, call (863) 763-4630.
VA vans are
running daily
Okeechobee County has
increased the days the VA vans
transport veterans to the West
Palm Beach VA Medical Center.
The VA vans are now running
Monday through Friday. All veter-
ans needing a ride to the VA Med-
ical Center should call the County
Veterans Service Officer at (863)
763-8124, several days ahead of
time and provide name, last four
of social security number, date
and time of appointment and
whether a wheelchair/scooter lift
is needed. All appointments must
be before noon. If there are any
questions, please contact Betsy
Grinslade, the county veterans'
service officer.
Free pregnancy
tests are offered
The Pregnancy Resource Cen-
ter of Okeechobee, a non-profit
organization, offers free pregnan-
cy testing to girls and women of all
ages. We offer free and confiden-
tial pregnancy tests, peer counsel-
ing, referrals for a free ultrasound,
parenting classes, and abstinence
education. Operating hours are
from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m: on Tues-
days and Thursdays. We are locat-
ed at 1505 S. Parrott Ave., across
from the movie theatre. For infor-
mation or appointments call (863)
763-8859.
Free parenting
classes offered
Free six-week parenting class-
es for parents of young children
are held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at
the Pregnancy Resource Center,
1505 S. Parrott Ave. Topics include
discipline a family affair, birth to
eight months infants, eight to
eighteen months the toddler, 18 to
36 months terrific twos, three year
olds, and uncommon sense. Each
week parents "earn" baby bucks
to purchase items for their baby at
the Center's Baby Boutique.
Childcare is not provided, howev-
er infants in carriers are welcome.
For details call (863) 763-8859 or
(863) 697-6320.
American Red Cross
needs more volunteers
The American Red Cross is
looking for nurses and Action
Team Volunteers to be a part of
our Disaster Action Team (DAT).
DAT is made up of a group of
trained volunteers who respond to
local disasters. If you would like to

give of your time and talents to
help local citizens in time of disas-
ter, please call Andy or Candace at
the American. Red Cross-Okee-
chobee branch at (863) 763-2488.
Child care help
is now available
The Early Learning Coalition
has funding for child care for eligi-
ble children from birth through
age 12 on a first-come, first-served
basis while funding is available.
There is no waiting list. Parents
must: be a resident of Okee-
chobee County; meet income
guidelines; and be working, or
going to school or a combination
of both for at least 20 hours per
week. For information, call (866)
273-6340.

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Okeechobee News, Saturday, August 6, 2005 13

a 8

. .

f id
ies ^W ^^^H^ ^^^^ ^B^

Vii s onth wb atww nwsopco

Toll Free j.

1

Merchandise

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Start a new career in the much needed field of
nursing as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Complete the
Hospitality Assistant course/training at Okeechobee
Healthcare Facility and become a CNA in 4 weeks. Next
class begins soon. Instructor RN/experienced teacher has
a very high CNA exam passing rate. Qualified CNAs are
then eligible for LPN training. Good benefits.
Apply In Person For Further Details:
406 N.W. 4th Street (863) 357-2442

KITCHEN HELP
Part Time
Must be able to work week
days & weekend evenings.
Apply at the American Legion
501 SE 2nd St. (after 10 am).

Financial

Business
Opportunities 305
Money Lenders 310
Tax Preparation 315

NOTICE
Independent Newspapers will
never accept any advertise-
ment that is illegal or con-
sidered fraudulent. In all
cases of questionable val-
ue, such as promises of
guaranteed income from
work-at-home programs if
it sounds too good to be
true, chances are that it is.
If you have questions or
doubts about any ad on
these pages, we advise that
before responding or send-
ing money ahead of time,
you check with the Better
business Bureau at
772-878-2010 for previous
complaints.
Some 800 and 900 telephone
numbers may require an
extra charge, as well as
long distance toll costs. We
will do our best to alert our
reader of these charges in
the ads, but occasionally
we may not be aware of the
charges. Therefore, if you
call a number out of your
area, use caution.

How fast can your car
f 0? It can go even
aster when you sell it
In the classified.

Church hosts Fa mily Fnm Day
The Okeechobee con-muriri is invited to a Family Fun Da\' on Satur.
day, Aug. 13, from 10-30 a m. until 12:30 p.m. in the First United
Methodist Church fellowship hall at 200 NA\. Second St. Sign ups and
acti cities for children will begin at 101:30 a m. The show will begin
promptly at 11 a.m. After the show there will be a lunch for everyone
and a few door prizes for the children who sign up. All children will
receive a helium balloon or small gift. Reverend Mabrey, a Methodist
minister and illusionist, will be performing.

'His Story' meeting is planned
An irnportant planning rnee-tin concerninQ "His Stor i," will be.held
Monday, Aug. 15, at 7 p m. at the First United Methodist Church, 200
N \\. Second St. Members and interested persons are encouraged to
attend. If \our church would d like to be involved please send a represen-
tative.

Business women's luncheon planned
Okeechobee business women \\ill hold a networking luhcheonAug.
19 at the Bralhma Bull Restaurant, 2405 U.S 441 S.E. Networking will
start at 11:30 a.m. and lunch %will be at noon. Bring \our friends and let
them feel the po.n er of networking Bring fllers brochures and a gixe-
away. (-Comrne see our \web site in prc'gress thanks to Cindy Burnetl For
information, contact Robin Delgado at i\ww.tractort.ailercrash corn

Juvenile Justice Council will meet
The Okeechobee Juvenile Justice Council will conduct their monthly
meeting on Friday, Aug. 19, at noon at the OC)keechobee County Library,
206 S.W. 16th St. The purpose of the meeting is to enhance prevention
and inter\ventionof at-risk youth in Okeechobee County. The public is
invited to attend. For information, call Pat O'Connor at (8631 763-.3536.

Church planning trip
The Church of Our Saviour Episcopal Church is sponsoring a trip to
Orlando to see the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes on Saturday, Dec. 10.
The bus will leave the church at 200 N.V Third Street at 8 a.m. The per-
formance is at 11 a.rn. The cost is e,' per person. For reservations, call
Fran at (863) :357-171.3. Payment is due before Aug. 21.

Agri-Civic center hosts horse show
The Miniature Horse Club of South Florida %%ill be presenting their
Okeechobee show on Saturda\ and Sunday, Aug. 20' and 21, at the
Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center, 4200 S.R. 70 E. Both show days
begin at 10 a.m., with gates opening at 9 a.m. Tickets at the gale will be
$3 for adults, $2 for seniors and $1.50 for students. The American Minia-
ture Horse Registry classes will be showcased on Saturday and the-
. American Miniature Horse Association classes will be highlighted on
Sunday. Halter I'conformation). Classes will be held in the mornings and
Performance (jumping, obstacle and driving) Classes \ill be held in the
afternoon. For Miniature Horse Show event information, call (5611 798-
6129, (863) 763-7724 or (772) 341-7610.
Legion group plans steak dinner
The Sons of the American Legion will host a steak dinner Sunday,
Aug. 21, from 3 until 6 p.m. at the American Legion Post #64, 501 S.E,
Second St., for a $9 donation. The menu will consist of steak, baked
potato, salad, roll, dessert and coffee or tea. For information, call (863)
763-2950.

Cattlemen sponsoring parade
Okeechobee Cattlemen's Association, Inc., is sponsoring a Labor
Day parade on Sept. 5. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. The line up will
start at 9 a.m

Learning coalition will meet
The Early Learning Coalition of Martin and Okeechobee counties will
meet \\ednesda\, Aug. 24, at I p.m. The meeting \\ill be held at the One
Stop Career Center, 2401 S. 29th St., North Portable, in Fort Pierce. Also,
-he executive committee of the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River,
Martin and Okeechobee counties \\ill be meeting at this same location
immediately following the coalition meeting.

Library group to discuss summer reads
The Okeechobee Library Book Discussion Group will meet Thurs-
day, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. in the Meeting Room, 206 S.W. 16th St. The group
will discuss favorite summer reads and also choose the books to be read
for lall. For information, call Jan Fehrrnan at (863.1357-9980.

History Center closes for summer
The Okeechobee Family History Center of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Da\ Saints, 310 S.W Sixth St., will be closed untilAug. 31. They
will reopen on Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The cen-
ter will.also be open Friday, Sept. 9, from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. It will
then be open every W\ednesday and Friday. Please call ahead one day to
reser% e any specific equipment you may need. For information during
x\orking hours call (863) 763:6510. During hours the center is closed call
(863) 467-5261, or (863) 357-7711.

Headstart now accepting applications
The Economic Opportunities Council Headslart is accepting applica-
tions for the 2005/06 school year. Children turning 3 on or before Sept. 1,
Abut not vet eligible for kindergarten, may apply at Northside Headstart,
1798 N.,\\ Ninth Ale. For appointments call Sheryl Heater at (863) 357-
8677, or Antonia Nunez at (863) 357-2242. Headsiart opens as early as 7
a.m. Qualifying children may slay as late as 5:30 p.m.

Labor Day Festival scheduled
The annual Labor Day Festival will be held Sept. 3-5 in Flagler Park
from 9 a.m..until 3 p.m. each day. Among the festivities planned is the
Chamber of Commerce hometown barbecue, arts and crafts booths
and food specialties. Please join Okeechobee County Chamber of Com-.
merce for an exciting weekend. Applications are available at the Cham-
ber. For information, call 1863) 763-6464.

GPS training course offered
Coast Guard Auxiliary Ilotilla 57 will be holding GPS training Saturday
Sept. 17, and will be starting a boating safety and seamanship program
on Thursday, Sept. 29. Learn to get more out ofyour GPS equipment and
enhance your boating experience. The course is also a must for anyone
considering buying new GPS equipment for their boal. The boating safe-
tv and seamanship program will teach you to outfit your boat safely and
be in compliance with the rules. You will learn the boating rules of the
road. Pickup tips on trailering and using your boat safely and efficiently.
The last program was packed with people from 12 to over 60 years in
age. Seating is limited. Times for both programs will be announced
soon, but seating is limited. Call (863) 467-3085 for information or to
pre-register.
Bake sale funds youth facility
The Okeechobee Church of God of Prophecy, 102 N.W. 10th St., will
hold a bake sale that includes and encourages county-wide participation
in ordering cakes, fudge, puddings, etc. Proceeds from the sale will help
finance the beginning of a new youth facility. Order forms have been
placed at different businesses so that the church can fill the orders. For
information, call (863) 763-7227 or (863) 763-4654. Orders will be taken
until the end of September.

Festival applications available
Applications for Labor Day Festival are available at Chamber of Com-
merce, 55 S. Parrott Ave. For information, call (863) 763-6464.

Back-to-school drive planned
Douglas Chiropractic, 916 W. North Park St., will be having a back-to-
school drive to help the needy children of Okeechobee County. School.
physical will be given for grades K through eight. The cost will be $5,
plus a donation of school supplies. The school supplies will be donated
to Big Lake Mission Outreach. For an appointment, call (863) 763-4320.

First aid.instructor class offered
The American Red Cross is offering an instructor's course at the
Okeechobee Branch in the month of August. If you are interested in
becoming an instructor for CPR and first aid please stop by the office
at 323 N. Parrott Ave., or call (863) 763-2488.

Dates for fall bazaar announced
The annual Fall Bazaar Arts and Crafts Show and Sale sponsored
by Xi Nu Sigma, the Avon Park Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi is sched-
uled for Saturday, Oct. 1, at Donaldson Park in Avon Park. Proceeds
from this fundraiser are used throughout the year for community
projects. Past proceeds have been used to purchase canned goods
and blankets for the Sun Room, Avon Park Church Service, Center,
scholarships and donations to the juvenile diabetes fund. Vendor
applications are now being accepted. Contact Linda Dalke, 108
Booth Drive, in Sebring; or, call Lynn Cloud at (863) 382-4487 or
(863) 381-5680.

Civil Air Patrol is forming
The United States Air Force Auxiliary is forming a Civil Air Patrol
unit in Okeechobee, and senior members and cadets are being
recruited. Youths between the ages of 12 and 18 are eligible. Senior
members are needed to administer the unit and provide supervision
for the cadets. The three main missions of the Civil Air Patrol are
emergency services, aerospace education and cadet programs.
Senior members and cadets work side by side to accomplish these
missions. If you are interested in becoming a cadet or senior mem-
ber, contact Gene O'Neill at the Okeechobee Emergency Operations
Center, (863) 763-3212.

Red Cross needs instructors
Have you saved a life today? Volunteer as an American Red Cross
Instructor and teach others the skills they need to save lives. You can
help the American Red Cross reach people in your community with
lifesaving training, including CPR, First Aid, Automated External
Defibrillation, and HIV/AIDS Prevention. Contact the Okeechobee
Branch of the American Red Cross at (863) 763-2488 to find out
more.

Church collecting for care packages
The Living Word of Faith Church of Okeechobee would like to
invite the community to participate in a project for Operation Free-
dom Iraqi. The church will be sending care packages to 20 service-
men in the Army stationed in Iraq. These soldiers serving our coun-
try have requested items not only for themselves, but they also give
items to the Iraqi children while on patrol and visiting. We would
like to invite the community to help us with this project. For more
information, contact Chairperson Myra White at (863) 357-2975.

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